Nissan Navara vs Volkswagen Amarok
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Utes compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Nissan Navara starts from $42,990 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Amarok opens at $55,990. That makes the Nissan Navara the more affordable entry point by $13,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $47,289 and $61,589 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Nissan Navara and Volkswagen Amarok hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Nissan Navara and 86% for the Volkswagen Amarok.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Nissan Navara packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 3 in the Volkswagen Amarok.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Nissan Navara and 6 in the Volkswagen Amarok.
Feature Showdown
The Nissan Navara features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Volkswagen Amarok gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Nissan Navara uses a Diesel producing 140kW and 450Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 11.9 seconds.
The Volkswagen Amarok responds with a Diesel making 125kW and 405Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The Nissan Navara has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 125kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen Amarok is 3.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Nissan Navara measures 5,260mm long on a 3,150mm wheelbase, 90mm shorter than the Volkswagen Amarok at 5,350mm (3,270mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Amarok generally means more rear legroom.
0For towing, the Volkswagen Amarok leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.4m to 12.9m
Based on 12.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,166/year for the Nissan Navara and $2,280/year for the Volkswagen Amarok. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the Nissan Navara.
Estimated annual total: $2,166 (Nissan Navara) vs $2,280 (Volkswagen Amarok). The Nissan Navara saves you roughly $114 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 300,000km (Nissan Navara) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Amarok). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Nissan Navara if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Amarok if: You or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Nissan Navara takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Nissan Navara will save you roughly $114 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Nissan Navara and Volkswagen Amarok?
The Nissan Navara is the cheapest at $42,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen Amarok by $13,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Nissan Navara uses the least fuel at 7.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Nissan Navara and Volkswagen Amarok all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen Amarok has the largest boot at 543L.
Which can tow the most?
The Nissan Navara has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Nissan Navara makes the most power at 140kW. The Volkswagen Amarok is quickest to 100km/h in 8.5s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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